Xena’s POV…
The warmth of their presence wrapped around me, but sleep still refused to come. My mind buzzed with the weight of memories just beyond reach, as if a veil had been carefully placed over my past.
Renzo’s arms tightened slightly, sensing my restlessness. “Breathe, Sweet Queen,” he murmured. “You don’t have to face it all tonight.”
But I wanted to. Needed to.
I closed my eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of their breathing, grounding myself in the quiet moment. Yet, just as I felt my body start to relax, a sharp jolt ran through me—something cold, dark, stirring at the edges of my mind.
Herra stirred in alarm. Xena, something is trying to get through.
A shadowed whisper curled at the edge of my consciousness, distant yet insistent. You should have stayed hidden.
I gaspe
